Responsible tourism

Most of the residents on Manda do not have a boat, there is nothing on Manda apart form their homes and our business so we provide a free ferry service to Manda residents. Locals get a discount in the restaurant, if they need coal, paraffin, water, milk etc we always give it to them. We also have a volleyball net up on the beach where the locals come every evening and play, they really like it when guests join in too. There are various projects on Lamu island which we have contributed funds to such as the local school fund. I have recently built a small school for my daughter and hope it can grow and educate more kids in the area.

In addition:

There is no fresh water on Manda Island, the used water from showers and sinks is all re-used on the garden. Fruit and veg waste is given to the donkeys, we burn paper, use bottles that can be returned to wholesalers. All buildings are locally designed and natural local materials so we blend into the landscape.

We buy all produce from the local market and shops, all fish from local fisherman.We offer cooking lessons and give the profit to our chef. We arrange walking excursions and give all money to the two local brothers who know the island best.

The Impacts of this Trip

As there are no cars on the island transport is by boat and we encourage guests to use local boat providers for short "taxi" trips and longer day trips sailing and snorkeling. We suggest local guides and cafes in Lamu town.

We have 15 staff from the local area and we provide good salaries, food and accommodation and pay service charge. Some staff have training which we highly encourage.

100% of our furniture and building materials are made in the area and I encourage guests to buy local products.

Environment

Most of the residents on Manda do not have a boat, there is nothing on Manda apart form their homes and our business so we provide a free ferry service to Manda residents. Locals get a discount in the restaurant, if they need coal, paraffin, water, milk etc we always give it to them. We also have a volleyball net up on the beach where the locals come every evening and play, they really like it when guests join in too. There are various projects on Lamu island which we have contributed funds to such as the local school fund. I have recently built a small school for my daughter and hope it can grow and educate more kids in the area.

In addition:

There is no fresh water on Manda Island, the used water from showers and sinks is all re-used on the garden. Fruit and veg waste is given to the donkeys, we burn paper, use bottles that can be returned to wholesalers. All buildings are locally designed and natural local materials so we blend into the landscape.

We buy all produce from the local market and shops, all fish from local fisherman.We offer cooking lessons and give the profit to our chef. We arrange walking excursions and give all money to the two local brothers who know the island best.

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

As there are no cars on the island transport is by boat and we encourage guests to use local boat providers for short "taxi" trips and longer day trips sailing and snorkeling. We suggest local guides and cafes in Lamu town.

We have 15 staff from the local area and we provide good salaries, food and accommodation and pay service charge. Some staff have training which we highly encourage.

100% of our furniture and building materials are made in the area and I encourage guests to buy local products.

Climate

5 Reviews of Manda Island beach resort in Lamu, Kenya

4.5 out of 5 stars

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Reviewed on 21 Oct 2017 by David King

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The place is relatively small and isolated making it ideal for a quiet getaway. That said, Pizza and Film night on a Friday brings people from all around to share some time together. Great Pizza too. We got to do Yoga (Fri, Sun, Tue and Fri) whilst there.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Embrace local culture. Day trips to the ruins, Shela, Lamu are all worth doing. It is eco so be prepared. Fresh water is limited so the mantra "if its yellow, let it mellow, if its brown flush it down" is gospel.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. Staff work long and hard and goods are relatively cheap and worth buying. Everyone is very friendly.. Solar power, rain water harvesting, grey water reuse all contribute to less impact on the environment whilst helping staff get some benefits.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Great relaxing holiday. There may have been solar panels on the bandas and buildings but I also felt fully recharged afterwards.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2016 by Gaynor Sharp

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being in a very special part of Africa, with an amazing host.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

I would highly recommend the resort. It is very eco friendly with solar panels, bio soap and Rachel even collects rain water. The food is so fresh and an excellent standard of cuisine. It is very difficult to describe the sense of calm the place has, with one's own Banda ( coconut leaves cabin) with garden area with chairs and table and a double swinging chill out swing bed, allowing gentle amounts of the sun through. The whole place has a beautiful ambience and is quietly very efficient. I travelled alone and felt extremely comfortable and it was very safe and secure. It is beautifully situated in an unspoilt environment and there are a number of water based activities on offer too- paddle boarding, kite surfing, sunset dhow rides etc. The bar/ eating area allows amazing views of the beautiful sunsets through the acacia trees. One can also take a short boat ride and visit the lovely village of Shela and also take a tour of the interesting small town of Lamu. On the day I left there was a yoga class at 5, followed by the showing of a French movie... I was sad to leave and will certainly return. The staff were very kind as were all of the other locals I met. Highly recommended.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes the owner of the resort is very eco friendly and encourages everyone to support this initiative. She employs many local people and some have worked for her for more than 12 years.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Absolutely brilliant Rachel was a perfect host and I will return.

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2010 by Aoibheann Kelly

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

So many to choose from! The resort is honestly paradise- especially for honeymooners. I have to say that every single day brought its own excitements and pleasures. We stayed in the treehouse which was out of this world and waking up every morning to the sound of exotic birds singing outside was magical. The food was so incredible there- breakfast, lunch and dinner every day was exceptional. We loved being able to go for long walks along the beach every day and go swimming accompanied by Obama and Bob - the two resident dogs! Saleem made the best cocktails I have ever had and all the staff there really added to the wonderful overall experience - the most lovely people you could ever meet. It really was a home from home there. We also got to go out on excursions and experience sailing in a real dhow on the Indian Ocean at sunset- unforgettable.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Just be prepared to honestly enjoy the place. As hard as it is to actually leave the resort - do take a short trip to see Lamu and Shela which are incredible places. Pack light! - take light comfortable clothes- like linen shorts/ trousers and light t-shirts. The lights are all switched off at 10pm and although you are provided with a paraffin lamp and torch it might be a good idea to bring along an extra reading torch. However- I am not naturally a good sleeper but I have never slept so well as I did there- I was fast asleep by 10:30 when all the lights went out - as soon as my head hit the pillow. Also- bring plenty of insect repellent spray- I think Deet is the best one. Rachael has got lots of books in the library for people - I took great advantage of this!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Without a doubt- it was clear that the local people who worked there also felt like it was their 'home' and took real pride in the place. We were even given our own basket to take into Lamu for any shopping so we didn't bring back plastic bags - I though this was a fab idea.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

It was just incredible - I honestly, honestly mean that and I can be very hard to please! I will never forget it and have come home feeling more rested and content than I have ever been before. It was the best start to married life for us we could have possibly had. 'Thank you' feels inadequate ... If you are thinking about going here I would safely say- please do not hesitate - you won't regret it and will have some of the best experiences and memories of your life.

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2010 by Katherine Ford

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was all memorable. We pretty much had the whole island to ourselves, total tranquility and relaxation. Rachael and the staff made the whole holiday unforgettable.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Don't take too many clothes, you really don't need them. For all girls out there, be prepared not to dry your hair with a hairdryer or wear any make up, au-naturele is all that is required. Also take plenty of mosquito spray and sun cream, we went at the end of October and it was boiling.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Absolutely! Rachael has done a great job in ensuring that the accommodation fits completely into the natural environment and has limited environmental impact.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

10 out of 10. We have come back feeling completely relaxed. The food was excellent and there was a good choice of drinks. The addition of a pizza oven is inspired.

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2010 by Anna Bradley

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Our trip to mandatoto - a full day out on a dhow with six other guests and three sailors - a great day full of humour, with fantastic snorkelling and brilliant food (they caught a barracuda, marinated it and cooked it over charcoal on the boat) memorable! The staff were universally fantastic, food excellent.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

It takes a long time to get to Manda from the UK, so be prepared, but remember it is worth it. Ask for a banda away from the generator - it is only on from 6-10/11, but being close to the noise means you don't want to go back to your room in the evening. Pack very light - you just don't need stuff in this environment. Nights are as hot as the days - or so it seems at times, so asking for your bed to be put outside under the stars and the mosquito net, is the best way to get a good night's sleep. But ear plugs will be required to protect you from the cocks, donkeys and the dawn chorus.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Definitely! The local community clearly valued the owners and their contribution enormously. As a result the welcome and help offered by every one of the staff was fantastic. a very close and apparently content community. Certainly minimized impacts on the environment - limited electricity and water use (so don't expect luxury), very local produce (brought up by fishermen from the beach each day).